An Oily Approach: Positive Effects of Negative Ions

Typically by this time of year, I’ve been running air conditioning in my home non-stop for about 3 months.  Did you ever have that feeling after running your air conditioner for a long period of time that you’re just dying to open a window and get some fresh air in the house?  I know I do, and there’s actually a scientific reason for that.  It’s called negative ions, and yes it’s the negative ones we’re craving.

Ions are floating around us all the time and they have either a negative or positive charge.  Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. There’s a reason why we feel so good when we take a deep breath in the mountains, near waterfalls, and at the beach.  Once negative ions reach our bloodstream, they produce a biochemical reaction that increases our levels of serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.  Also when there is a high enough concentration, negative ions clear the air of mold spores, pollen, pet dander, odors, cigarette smoke, bacteria, viruses, dust and other hazardous airborne particles.

As for positive ions, they too are odorless, tasteless and invisible, but when we are exposed to an abundance of those ions we feel lethargic, depressed, achy and our immune systems is depleted.  Guess what emits an abundant amount of positive ions – you got it, your air conditioner!  So does your refrigerator, your computer, your printer, florescent lighting, your clothes dryer, your hair dryer, and your television, just to name a few.  So basically you are being bombarded with positive ions all day long.

So how can we get more negative ions into our homes?  Well one way is to purchase a good negative ionizer.  I would recommend doing a bit of research as to which ones are most effective as they can be expensive.  The good news is that diffusing certain essential oils also produces negative ions.  Essential oils that increase negative ions are bergamot, cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, and patchouli.  Plus your Young Living diffuser is an Ultrasonic diffuser.  Why is this important?  Because Ultrasonic diffusers use high frequencies to separate the essential oils into small particles, producing a micro-mist allowing the negative ions in the oils being diffused to be released.

So next time you’re feeling like you need some negative ions to make you feel positive – get diffusing!